Edward Ray Romero, age 64, died in at-home hospice care surrounded by his family and friends, early morning May 13, 2026. Ed was born on March 11, 1962 at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. He left this world rich with dramatic life experiences, significant professional and academic accomplishments, deep friendships and the profound love of his family.

Ed is survived by his son, Chris Romero (Aubree) and step-granddaughter Macee. In addition, he will be fondly remembered by his adoring sister Patty Vendzules (Michael), favorite cousin and confidant Louella Phillips (Chuck), his lifelong best buddy Danny Naranjo, dearest friends Donna Skinner, Karen Kalivoda and his loving godmother, Bertha Sanchez. He was preceded in death by his parents Eduardo (Pat) and Ernina Romero and his sister Gerri McCallister Atchley.

Ed truly loved his life and lived his life to the fullest. He died with zero regrets. Raised in a career military family, he skillfully blended learned traditional values with newfound life adventures and had a blast. He graduated from McCurdy Mission High School in 1980 and zoomed off to the University of New Mexico receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1985. Ed was a recognized and respected engineer and he retired from his professional life as a Component Engineering Manager at Raytheon in Texas. He was valued and promoted throughout his successful career while making more life-long friends.

Ed's personal life experiences were joy-filled. His love of adventure resulted in a lifelong hobby of hot air ballooning. He enjoyed all aspects of ballooning including flying, chasing, partying and collecting balloon memorabilia. Most of all he loved being with other "balloon people." In fact, his move three years ago from Texas back to New Mexico was driven in large part because he missed ballooning and his ballooning family.

Ed's most endearing personal traits included his sense of humor, generous nature, great laugh, and the infamous "Romero Smile". These characteristics made making friends easy. Ed was intrinsically curious and enjoyed talking to people. In no time, everybody was his friend. He made everyone feel special. His genuine willingness to help anyone, anytime, with anything fostered loyalties he nurtured and cherished his whole life. Everyone he touched grieves the loss of this fine man called to heaven too early in his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Ed's home in Rio Rancho, NM. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ed's memory by donating to the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation at https://balloonmuseum.com/donate/